In terms of criminal law, what term is used for someone who aids or abets another in committing a crime?

The term used for someone who aids or abets another in committing a crime is "Accomplice." This designation indicates that the person not only assists the primary actor in criminal activity but also intends to facilitate the crime. An accomplice may provide support in various ways, such as providing information, helping to plan the crime, or directly participating in the act.

Understanding this term is crucial because it differentiates the active role an accomplice plays from other roles in criminal activities, such as those who might simply be involved in a broader criminal conspiracy without direct involvement, or those who might facilitate a crime without criminal intent. This distinction is essential in legal contexts since accomplices can face similar legal consequences as the principal offenders.

Other terms may relate to different aspects of the law but do not precisely align with the definition of someone who aids or abets another committing a crime. For instance, an accessory generally refers to someone who assists after the crime has been committed, a co-conspirator refers to a person involved in an agreement to commit a crime, and a principal is the primary actor who commits the crime.